Debates of 16 Dec 2009

MADAM SPEAKER

PRAYERS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Madam Speaker

Hon Members, I received a communication from the President on 14th December, 2009 --
“14th December, 2009
The Rt Hon Speaker Office of Parliament Parliament House Accra
Right Hon Speaker,
Absence from Ghana
In accordance with article 59 of the Constitution of the Republic of Ghana, I write to inform you that I will be absent from Ghana from the evening of Tuesday, 15th December, 2009 to Saturday, 19th December, 2009 during which period I shall attend the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP-15) to be held in Copenhagen, Denmark.
During my absence from Ghana, the Vice President H.E. John Dramani Mahama, shall, in accordance with article 60 (8) of the Constitution, act in my stead.
Kindly accept, Right Honourable, the

assurances of my highest consideration.

(Sgd.) PROF. JOHN EVANS ATTA MILLS

PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC

OF GHANA

Mr. Ofosu

Madam Speaker, he could have brought the letter two or three days sooner to inform us that he would be leaving and not when he has left.

Mr. Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu

Madam Speaker, I believe that the principle behind what my Hon Colleague is saying, really, is right because article 59 of our Constitution says and with your indulgence, I will quote:
“The President shall not leave Ghana without prior notification in writing, signed by him and addressed to the Speaker of Parliament.”

Thank you every- body.
Shall we now move to the Correction of Votes and Proceedings of Tuesday, 15th December, 2009?

VOTES AND PROCEEDINGS AND THE OFFICIAL REPORT

Madam Speaker

Thank you. Any other corrections?
Pages 16 - 18 --

Mr. J. B. Aidoo

Madam Speaker, on page 18, In Attendance, xix, we have “Mr. Linda Gyekye Boadu”. I think the title is wrong. It is either “Ms.” or “Mrs. Linda Gyekye Boadu”.

Madam Speaker

So what do you suggest? Should we put “Ms.”?

Mr. J. B. Aidoo

Madam Speaker, I think the person ought to be contacted

Mr. J. B. Aidoo

because it can either be “Ms.” or “Mrs.” But I personally do not know. The Clerks- at-the-Table are saying she is Mrs.; so it should be “Mrs. Linda Gyekye Boadu”.

Madam Speaker

Thank you. The Clerk should take note. Page 19 -- [Inter- ruption.]

Nana Abu-Bonsra

Madam Speaker, I think picking it from where Prof. (Emeritus) Amoako said, on page 18, if you would indulge me then I would go back; we would see that somebody is being made a whole Ministry under “In Attendance”.
That is paragraph 3, In Attendance, i “Mr. Rashid Pelpuo, MP& Minister, Ministry of Youth and Sports”. It should have just been “MP and Minister for Youth and Sports.”

Madam Speaker

So you are suggesting we take the Ministry from there?

Nana Abu-Bonsra

Yes.

Well, luckily, he is not a consultant, so I think he would prefer the “Dr.”

Madam Speaker

Thank you.

Ms. Cecilia A. Dapaah

Madam Speaker, page 20, the Appointments Committee Members, Attendance -- “The following Hon Members were present, ii is “Mr. Juliana Azumah-Mensah.”
-- [Interruption] -- It has been done? All right.

Prof. (Emeritus) Amoako

Yes, I think so.
Thank you.

ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS

MINISTRY OF YOUTH AND SPORTS

Minister for Youth and Sports (Mr. Abdul-Rashid Pelpuo)

Madam Speaker, the current state of the National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP) is as follows:
1. Forty-five thousand, two hundred and thirty-five (45,235) beneficiaries are currently on the payroll of the Programme.
2. Beneficiaries are engaged in eight (8) modules including the Health Extension Workers Module, Youth in Agric-Business Module,
Community Protection Unit , Paid Internship and Vacation Job, Community Education Assistant and Volunteer Modules.
3. Allowances paid to beneficiaries remain at the same level as before, that is between GH¢60 for Sanitation Workers and GH¢160 for Graduate Interns.
4. Eleven new modules have been added to the eight (8) traditional modules. These are Youth in Eco-Brigade, Youth in Afforestation, Youth in Film Industry, Youth in Trades and Vocation, which encompasses Grass Cutter Production, Phone Repairs, Bamboo Processing and Products, Sheanut Processing and Products, Dress Making and Sachet Water Production, et cetera.
Recruitment for the new modules which places little burden on government pay roll has commenced in all districts
throughout the country.
Madam Speaker, major challenges facing the NYEP include inadequate and irregular flow of funds and the absence of legal foundation for the Programme.
In this respect, the Ministry is working out a process of ensuring that there is a legal foundation which will define the NYEP and that the necessary legal arrangements will also be put in place to ensure that the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning can make deductions from the known contributory sources direct to the NYEP.
Besides that, we also want to adhere strictly to the two-year plan -- the exit plan for beneficiaries so that at the end of the two years, we have the beneficiaries exit for new ones to be engaged. But we are acknowledging the fact that in doing that, we have the responsibility of supporting young people to transit into work plans by helping them to have an exit plan. And that we are also working out.
Madam Speaker, I wish to conclude by calling on Colleague Members of Parliament to support various legal arrangements that will be put in place because it will definitely come here, so we can have the necessary legal regime to tackle the problems confronting the NYEP.

Mr. O. B. Amoah

Madam Speaker,
can the Hon Minister assure the youth of this nation and the House that those being recruited for the Programme fall within the age bracket of 18 to 35? And that those who have not had their salaries for the past six to eight months will be paid?

Mr. Pelpuo

Madam Speaker, I would
acknowledge that this is a really difficult question. We will have no basis, at the moment, insisting that those who are recruited are going to be within the ages of 15 and 35 as he said because the
definition of youth is still fluid in this country. We still do not have a firm grip of what we want to call a youth. So every young person, for us, at the moment, will be categorised as youth until we agree that there is a legal definition of a young person and that we are limiting the age between 15 and 35. But at the moment, we cannot assure him that we are limiting ourselves to that.
But he also asked a question whether the salaries or the allowances of those who are engaged now -- their arrears will be paid. Yes, they will be paid. We are working very hard with the Hon Minister for Finance and Economic Planning, so we can pay their arrears before Christmas. And we are assuring you that we will try to meet that target.

Madam Speaker

Yes, we will have two questions from each side.

Mrs. Akosua Frema Osei-Opare

Madam Speaker, I would like to find out from the Hon Minister whether the recruitment process for the various modules, since he took office, is public in terms of procedure and access. [Interruptions.] The question is -- You do. I was being distracted by someone. I thought he did not. But I am happy he understood the question.

Madam Speaker

Hon Minister, have you heard the question.

Mr. Pelpuo

Yes. We have a laid-down process which we have inherited. We are going to go through the same process. At the moment, we have a problem of funding the NYEP and so we are delaying the recruitment. But as soon as we are able to secure enough funding, young people will come in, fill forms, the forms will be assessed on the basis of the information
they provide and then they will be offered the opportunity of placement.
Thank you.

Mr. C. S. Hodogbey

Madam Speaker, when it comes to the Health Extension Workers Module, normally, when the people are taken, they are trained for a certain period. Now, from his Answer on page 15 of the Order Paper, paragraph 3, it says “the Programme will adhere strictly to the two-year exit plan”. I would like to know, when these Health Extension Workers are trained, do they have to exit in two years for them to employ another new set of people for training?

Mr. Pelpuo

Madam Speaker, yes, the idea is to give an opportunity for all young people to have a two-year experience of placing themselves in places where they hope to be working when they are in the real working life. So we want to adhere to that. So you have two years experience during which we will help you to transit from being placed in youth employment into being a full-time worker in some department. And we want to adhere strictly to that. But we have various challenges. One of the biggest challenges is what he has just pointed out.
Madam Speaker, the problem of the health extension workers who are now very much integrated in the system and are very much needed at the point of service, to withdraw them will create problems in the health industry in some specific places. So we are working with the Ministry of Health to see how they can be absorbed to make room for other people as soon as they exit.
But there is a programme of imple- menting an exit plan, which is a module itself. And we are in talks with companies and organisations so as to help us exit
them, no matter how critical their needs will be, so that they can stay on and work.

Mr. Pelpuo

concern.

rose

Madam Speaker

Hon Asiamah, I thought I said two on either side? You have finished two on your side.

Mr. I. K. Asiamah

No, this is a question.

Madam Speaker

Oh no, I have not come to your Question yet.

Mr. I. K. Asiamah

No, but in relation to what is being answered.

Madam Speaker

Your side has asked two questions; I said - [Interruptions] -- No, no. Hon Asiamah, I have not called you to speak. I will call you when your Question comes.

out that within six months we are asked to organize fresh elections, but our not recognizing the GOC has nothing to do with our affiliation to the IOC. We are still affiliated, we would not break away and we would do everything possible to put in place a credible GOC.

Mr. Robert Sarfo-Mensah

Madam Speaker, according to the Hon Minister's Answer, the Government has held discussions with the IOC regarding the misunderstanding and the problems at the GOC, and that some communication has taken place. I would like to find out from the Hon Minister, when the commu- nication was received and when is the fresh election going to be conducted.

Mr. Pelpuo

Mr. Bagbin

Madam Speaker, yes, this proposal, I know is well intentioned. It was accepted and in principle by all sides of the House. We tried implementing it and I really told the Hon Minister that he was just to move the motion and allow the Hon Chairman to present the observations

and conclusion.

But if it is the pleasure that this be done in Closed Sitting, we will then have to stand down this particular motion and handle other motions before we come to that so that we do not interrupt the free flow of the business now; we can do that later in the day.

In the circumstance, it means that we will have to permit the Hon Minister to leave and go and handle some urgent matters at the Ministry and maybe, come back later in the night. [Laughter.] We are likely to Sit till 5.00 p.m. today, so maybe, around 4.00 p.m. will not be too bad for him. So around four o'clock, we may have time to reconstitute the House to properly consider this motion. I have no problem with the proposal.

Madam Speaker

Hon Minority Leader, consider that today we need to be somewhere at six o'clock. All of us.

Mr. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu

Madam Speaker, I believe it is a very useful application and I think we have the indulgence of the House, except to say that in that case, we may constitute the meeting or the Sitting into a Closed Sitting and not a Committee of the Whole because if it is considered at the Committee of the Whole, they would have to report back to the plenary.
A closed Sitting is more exclusive to ourselves and whatever is said will not get out.

Madam Speaker, in

Madam Speaker

Which is, motion
number what?

Mr. Bagbin

Madam Speaker, that is motion number 6 at page 3 of the Order Paper.

MR. FIRST DEPUTY SPEAKER

CONSIDERATION OF

ANNUAL ESTIMATES

ITEM PLANNED

Chairman of the Committee (Mr. Michael C. Boampong)

Mr. Speaker, I beg to second the motion and in doing so, present the Report of your Committee.
1.0 Introduction
Mr. Speaker, in fulfilment of article 179 of the 1992 Constitution, the Budget Statement and Economic Policy of Government for the 2010 Financial Year was presented to the
House by the Hon Minister for Finance and Economic Planning on Wednesday, 18th November, 2009.
In accordance with Standing Orders 140 (4) and 189 of the House, the Annual Budget Estimates for the 2010 fiscal year of the Ministry of Roads and Highways was referred to the Committee for considera-tion and report.
The Committee met on the estimates with the Hon Minister, Mr. Joe K. Gidisu, the Deputy Minister, Hon Robert Mettle- Nunoo, the Chief Director, representatives from the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, agency heads and officials from the Ministry of Roads and Highways. The Committee acknowledged their presence at the meeting and is grateful for their co-operation.
The departments and agencies under the Ministry are as follows:
i) Ghana Highway Authority (GHA)
ii) Department of Urban Roads (DUR)
iii) Department of Feeder Roads (DFR)
iv) Koforidua Training Centre
v) Road Fund Secretariat
2.0 Reference Documents
The following documents were referred to by the Committee:
i ) The 1992 Consti tut ion of the Republic of Ghana
ii) The Standing Orders of Parliament
i i i ) T h e B u d g e t S t a t e m e n t a n d E c o n o m i c P o l i c y o f

Chairman of the Committee (Mr. Michael C. Boampong)

the Govern- ment for the 2010 Financial Year.

3.0 Vision

The vision of the Ministry of Roads and Highways is “To provide and maintain an integrated, cost-effective and sustainable road transport network responsive to the needs of users, supporting growth and poverty reduction”.

4.0 Mission

In order to realize the above vision, the Ministry is “To formulate the requisite policies, monitor and evaluate pro- grammes and projects to ensure the provision of affordable, integrated, safe, responsive and sustainable road transport network that will meet the economic, social and environmental needs as well as the national and international standards”.

5.0 Performance of the Road Sector in 2009

The 2009 Budget was designed with the main focus of contributing greatly to ensure accelerated growth as means to sustainable poverty reduction. Additionally, the budget sought to integrate moral economies with the urban economies as well as ensuring lower transport costs through the provision of safe and reliable road infrastructure network.

Under the Transport Sector Develop- ment Programme (TSDP), several projects were formulated and approved for implementation. These are the Transport Sector Project (TSP), Transport Sector Planning and Integration Programme (TSPIP), Integrated Transport Plan (ITP), Social and Environmental Assessment of ITP, Capacity Development in Policy and Planning in the Transport Sector and Public Finance Management in the transport sector.

Government continued the preparation

Chairman of the Committee (Mr. Michael C. Boampong)

of the Abidjan/Lagos Transport and Trade Facilitation Project (ALTTFP). Govern- ment also continued the preparation of the ECOWAS Regional Transport and Transit Facilitation Programme (RTTFP) to assist ECOWAS and UEMOA, to implement two transit facilitation programmes towards the free movement of goods and services in the sub-region.

Key projects/activities are:

5.1 (a) Ghana Highway Authority

(GHA)

Routine maintenance on a total of 4,047 kilometres of roads; Periodic maintenance of 108 kilometres of regravelling/spot improvement, resealing and other periodic maintenance works.

The Axle Load Control system received 7 High Speed Weigh-in Motion (HSWIM) equipment for monitoring of the axle load limits on the country's trunk roads.

The following development projects were substantially completed:

Sogakope-Akatsi

Anyinam Konongo Ph II

Kumasi-Techiman Ph I

Other ongoing projects include the

following:

Tetteh Quarshie-Madina

Anwiankwanta-Fomena (sectional rehabilitation)

Bamboi-Tinga

The following maintenance projects among others are at different stages of completion:

UER 1. Chuchiliga-Sandema 2. Missiga-Garu

UWR 1. Nadiwli-Lawra 2. Wa-Bulenga

NR 1. Bimbilla Town Road 2. Walewale-Gambaga

CR 1. Mankessim-Ajumako 2. Kasoa-Bawjiase

WR 1. Telukobokazo-Anibu 5.2 (b) Department of Feeder Roads

The Department of Feeder Roads (DFR) completed a total of 6,854 kilometres of routine maintenance works on its network. DFR also undertook 869 kilometres of regravelling, sport improvement and rehabilitation works under its periodic maintenance works.

5.2.1 Bridges Programmes

DFR completed 3 out of the targeted 10 major/small span bridges. The follow-ing additional projects were completed:

Koluedor-Songornya Greater Accra

Sombo-Daffiama Upper West Region

Wassa AkropongAdansi Western Region

Wulugu-Kpasenkpe Northern Region

White Volta Bridge Northern Region

Ekundipe Bridge over R. Daka

Northern Region

Some of the ongoing feeder road projects include:

Bortianor-Kokrobitey Greater Accra Region

Abrem-Agona-Essiam Effutu PH1 Central Region

Wegbe-Alavanyo-Nkonya Volta Region

Akropong-Tumfa-Ekorsu Eastern Region

Asokore-Mampong-Parkoso-Aperade Ashanti Region

Tankro-Fiema Brong Ahafo Region

Bunkprugu Town Roads Northern Region

Winkongo-Tongo Zuarungu Upper East Region

Asankrangua Town Roads Western Region

5 . 2 . 2 D i s t r i c t C a p i t a l R o a d s Improvement Project (DCRIP)

DFR completed a total of 55 No culverts, 20.4 kilometres of concrete U-drains and 874 m of kerbs under the DCRIP. This project was initiated by Government to provide a facelift to the capitals of some of the newly-created districts. The project covers 47 district capitals in all the 10 regions of Ghana.

5.2.3 COCOBOD-Funded Programme

DFR reshaped and spot-improved a total of 1,644.5 kilometres of feeder roads under the COCOBOD-funded programme. This was to surface-dress

(tar) roads in six cocoa producing regions, namely, Volta, Eastern, Central, Western, Ashanti and Brong Ahafo.

5.3 (c) Department of Urban Roads

(DUR)

DUR completed a total of 1,416 kilometres of routine and periodic maintenance works. About 60 kilometres of minor rehabilitation and upgrading works were executed. The status of development projects executed is as follows:

Construction of Nsawam Road Phase II (Kwame Nkrumah Circle- Achimota): This phase of the project involves works on the 3 roads adjoining the corridor and extension at the Achimota transport terminal. Works are currently ongoing and recorded completion of about 70 per cent.

Accra CBD Roads: The progress of work on the Central Business District (CBD) road works is about 95 per cent complete. The Korle Lagoon Bridge was completed and opened to traffic. Works are ongoing on the Asafoatse Nettey and Korle Lagoon roads.

K u m a s i R o a d a n d U r b a n Development Project: Construction works for the provision of facilities at the new site, Sokoban, earmarked for wood workers were completed. Relocation of the wood workers in progress. Works on the Oforikrom- Asokwa bypass (including an interchange at Timber Gardens) is 13 per cent complete.

Chairman of the Committee (Mr. Michael C. Boampong)

Sunyani Road (Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital to Abuakwa): The report includes the construction of an interchange at Sofoline and about 11 kilometres of adjoining roads. The works is currently 25 per cent completed.

5 . 4 M i l l e n n i u m C h a l l e n g e Account (MCA) Programme

The following activities were under- taken during the year:

Crop Productivity Improvement Training and FBO Business Capaci- ty Training for 350 Farmer-Based Organisations (FBOs);

Commencement of the main construction works on the reha- bilitation and the relocation of utility services on the N1 highway (Tetteh Quarshie-Apenkwa Section);

Rehabilitation and furnishing of 65 schools in 12 of the 30 districts under the MCA Ghana Programme, including some flood affected areas of the Northern Region;

Commencement of consultancy services for the cheque codeline and Automated Clearing House Systems and the development of the Wide Area Network (WAN) for rural banks under the Rural Financial Services Activity;

Installation of pre-coolers, packing lines and generator sets on the farms of seven beneficiary members of Sea-Freight Pineapple Exporters

Group (SPEG); and

Building of procurement capacity through intern training and award- ing of scholarships to students of tertiary institutions.

5.5 Financial Performance of the Road Sector in 2009

The financial performance of the Ministry and its agencies as at the end of September, 2009 is as follows:

It should be observed that with the exception of disbursement on donor fund, all other items of expenditure would be above target by the close of the year 2009.

6.0 Outlook of the Ministry for 2010

The Ministry will rehabilitate the Buipe-Tamale section of about 103 kilometres of the central corridor. Other road cons-truction activities will include the construction works of the bus rapid transit route from Mallam to the central business district of Accra, regulation of urban passenger transport by the identified MMDAs of the bus rapid transit project and the establishment of a centre for urban transport design of new traffic light systems.

The Ministry will also pursue the following policy initiatives to improve on its operations. These will include:

Maintenance of road assets: the Ministry will shift its present focus from upgrading and rehabilitation of roads to routine and periodic maintenance of activities;

Electronic tolling of roads: the Ministry will expand the electronic tolling of roads to other sections of the road to improve revenue

TABLE 1

TIME 1.05 PAGE57

Chairman of the Committee (Mr. Michael C. Boampong)

Teshie Roads Project -- ongoing

Sunyani road (Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital to Abuakwa) -- 25 per cent complete.

6.3.1 Creation of New Municipal Road Units

DUR in collaboration with some District Assemblies will establish about 5 road units in newly-created Municipalities in line with the Government's decentraliza- tion programme. 6 . 4 M i l l e n n i u m C h a l l e n g e Account (MCA) Programme

The following activities will be undertaken in 2010:

commence the construction of landing sites; purchase 2 new ferries and rehabilitate the floating dock to help improve the Volta Lake ferry services;

continue the design work and feasibility studies for the construc- tion of a perishable cargo centre at Kotoka International Airport and the provision of pre-coolers to help exporters;

continue with the design, feasibility studies and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the rehabilita- tion of irrigation schemes;

select beneficiary entrepreneurs to commence work on the 18 Agribusiness Centres across the 3 zones;

conduct survey of lands and provide titles to 3,000 beneficiaries in the Awutu-Senya District; among others.

7.0 Observations and Recommendations

generation into the Road Fund for effective maintenance of the road network;

Axle load control: it will intensify the implementation of the law on axle load limit. This is to forestall the premature failure of the road network and the consequent cost of rehabilitation; and

Public Private Partnership (PPP): mthe Ministry is exploring the Public Private Partnership Scheme in the financing, construction and management of road infrastructure. This approach will release the heavy burden road infrastructure has on the national budget.

6.1 Ghana Highway Authority (GHA)

GHA will carry out a total of 12,118 kilometres of routine maintenance and 612 kilometres of periodic maintenance activities on the trunk road network. Civil works contracts will be continued for about 600 kilometres of road projects. Some of these roads are:

Anwiankwanta-Yamoransa (Sect. Rehab)

Tetteh Quarshie-Madina Road

Dualisation of Pantang-Mamfe Road

Bamboi-Tinga

Ho -Fume

Sogakope-Adidome-Ho

Asankrangua-Enchi

Berekum-Sampa

Kpandu-Worawora-Dambai, Phase

3

Wenchi-Sampa Phase 2, Nsawkaw- Namase Section

Bomfa Junction-Asiwa-Bekwai

S e f w i B e k w a i - E s h i e m - Asankrangua, km 10-56

Anyinam-Konongo road and Nkawkaw Bypass

Achimota-Ofankor

Nsawam-Apedwa Road, Nsawam Bypass (Accra bound)

Kwafokrom-Apedwa (Dual car- riageway)

6.1.1 Bridge Programmes

GHA will commence the construction of the following 7 bridges. These are;

Birim River Bridge

Ochi River Bridge

Asuboni River Bridge

Amenfneso River Bridge

Sissily River Bridge

Kalangmua River Bridge

The Adomi Bridge Rehabilitation has also been planned for implementation.

6.2 Department of Feeder Roads (DFR)

The Department of Feeder Roads will undertake the reshaping and routine maintenance on 26,223 kilometreds of engineered feeder roads, rehabilitation/ construction of short and medium span steel bridges, box culverts and side drains. In addition, the Department will carry out periodic maintenance including the

surfacing of some roads. Some of the ongoing projects to be completed include:

Bortianor-Kokrobitey (5.35 km) Great Accra Region

Abrem-Agona-Essiam Effutu PH1 (15.2 km) Central Region

Wegbe-Alavanyo-Nkonya (16.2 km) Volta Region Akropong-Tumfa-Ekorso (12 km) Eastern Region

A s o k o r e - M a m p o n g - Parkoso- Aperade (5.1 km) Ashanti Region

Tankro-Fiema (7.4 km) Brong Ahafo Region

Bunkprugu Town Roads (4 km) Northern Region

Winkongo-Tongo Zuarungu (16 km) Upper East Region

Asankrangua Town Roads (4.8 km) Western Region

6.3 Department of Urban Roads (DUR)

The Department of Urban Roads (DUR) will undertake routine and periodic maintenance works on at least 9,033 kilometres of its urban road network. Major road rehabilitation and reconstruc- tion works will continue on the following:

Nsawam road Phase II (Kwame Nkrumah Circle-Achimota) -- 70 per cent complete

Accra CBD roads -- 95 per cent complete

Kumasi roads and Urban Develop- ment Project -- 13 per cent complete

Chairman of the Committee (Mr. Michael C. Boampong)

SPACE FOR PAGE 61 (Table 2)

TIME: 1.05 P.M.)

The Committee noted that fuel level contribution to the Road Fund is low and this has affected the revenue base of the Fund. The inability to increase the fuel level from the current level of cedi equivalent of 6 pesewas/litre approved in 2005 to 9 pesewas/litre to take cognizance of non-increment in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 is a matter of urgent concern.

It is the opinion of the Committee that the Ministry should take urgent steps to review the levels upwards to enable realistic road user fees to be charged.

The Committee observed that most of the haulage trucks from neighbouring landlocked countries that ply our roads exceed the axle load limit for our roads. As a result of lack of monitoring on the part of the Ministry, this practice has contributed to deterioration of our roads. It is the view of the Committee that the Ministry should expedite action on the Axle Load Control Action Plan to address the problem.

The Committee also expressed worry about outstanding arrears for the staff of Ghana Highway Authority to cater for allowances, workmen compensation, funeral grants, fuel and maintenance of

SPACE FOR PAGE 62 (Table 3)

vehicles.

The Committee is of the opinion that these outstanding arrears be paid to enable the Authority to operate efficiently.

The Committee further observed that the Ministry is still grappling with key challenges of inadequate project funding and weak private contractor capacity. Coupled with these challenges, is the need for the Department of Urban Roads to establish road unit offices in the municipalities without the provision of adequate resources.

It is important that the Ministry is supported with adequate funding to pay for work done by contractors and also come up with training programmes to improve the capacity of private contractors. Besides, the Ministry should facilitate to resource contractors with plant and equipment. In

addition, the Public Private Partnership Scheme could be put in place to support the Ministry to carry out its programmes.

The Committee would like to re- commend that the Department of Urban Roads be well resourced to enable the establishment of new offices.

The Committee was also informed that

the Ministry of Roads and Highways has huge road arrears to be paid to contractors in the sum of about GH¢ 200.0 million for both Government of Ghana (GOG) and Road Funded projects.

There is the need for an intervention to clear the arrears since the 2010 Budget ceiling will not be adequate to settle the arrears let alone complete ongoing projects.

The Committee observed that the

Table 3 below shows the details of the approved budget ceilings of the Ministry of Roads and Highways for 2009 and 2010 and percentage variance.

Mr. Obodai

Mr. Speaker, I believe the Hon Minister is rather confusing us and the whole country.

Mr. J. K. Gidisu

On a point of order. Mr. Speaker, I thought my Hon Colleague will keep his peace. He knows too well as a member of the Committee that by January this year, we still had arrears dating back from January 2008 to December 2008. The whole year, there were arrears spread over. Mr. Speaker, they took a loan of 83 million dollars from the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) and saddled the Road Fund with the payment of that loan. What did they use the loan for? The former Minister is here; what did they use the loan for?

Mr. J. K. Gidisu

Mr. Speaker, the point I want to emphasise is that a loan was taken from SSNIT and up to the time that we took over, what it was purported to have been used for, in reducing the arrears within the Ministry in terms of the Road Fund, had not been done. Those are the hanging arrears we still have and we are still using the Road Fund to pay the loan that had been taken at that time without any significance.

rose

Mr. First Deputy Speaker

Let me take the Hon Minority Leader.

Mr. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu

Mr.
Speaker, the question that was posed by the Hon Minister is that the Ministry had taken a loan from SSNIT to do a project. I am saying, he addressed the matter to the former Minister because he asked, “What did he use the money for?” So he meant the former Minister.
In the circumstance, he said the former Minister took a loan to do something, he did not do it and he then posed the question, “What did he use it for?” That is why I am asking, whether he wants to stand on the floor of this House to tell Ghanaians that the former Minister took the loan ostensibly for a project but then he cannot trace what that loan has been used for? If that is what the Hon Minister is telling us, he should come clean on that, because he asked, “What has he used the money for?”

Mr. J. K. Gidisu

Mr. Speaker, it is semantics. The former Minister represen- ted the institution of the Ministry and for that matter, if I refer to him as “you”, I mean the Ministry. Those are the hanging situations we still have, that we are redeeming the loan that was taken through the present revenue that comes into the Road Fund. These are the bottlenecks that we have which have affected the effective disbursement of the Road Fund; it is there.

Mr. First Deputy Speaker

Hon Minister, I think the point being raised is whether the money had been used for the purpose for which it was taken. I think that that is the crucial point on this matter. If you have that information, make it available. If you do not have, then I will give you the opportunity to withdraw and come back when you have that information and make it available.

That we should take two from both sides of the House? I looked at your side at that time all along, and no Hon Member was on his feet before I wanted to put the Question.

Mr. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu

Mr. Speaker, the reason is, we had suggested two contributors from either side and when we had our turn, we expected that the next turn would be from the Majority side of the House. That might explain why -- [Interruption.]

Mr. First Deputy Speaker

But always the Hon Member must still stand up for me to catch the person's eye. So when I did not see any Hon Member from your side on his feet, I decided to use my discretion by calling on the Hon Minister to wind up. Anyway, I will allow the Member to make his contribution but they must always stand up for them to be counted.

Mr. T. Abdul-Rauf Ibrahim (NDC -- Yagaba/Kubori)

Mr. Abdul-Rauf Ibrahim

Mr. Speaker, by the way, I must say that the road sector is a very important sector and there is the need for Government to support it to carry out its activities. However, Mr. Speaker, I think the Ministry itself would have to take measures to make sure its internally generated funds are well organized.
Mr. Speaker, if you look at the 2007 Auditor-General's Report on the Ghana Road Fund, the contract for contractors to take monies at the toll was given to them without collateral, and Mr. Speaker, these contractors took the monies and did not pay them to the Road Fund. Mr. Speaker, I think if these monies were all channelled, if they were taken and paid to the Road Fund, those monies would have been channelled or supported the budget of the Ministry.
Mr. Speaker, in concluding my observations or contribution, I would urge the Ministry, considering the allocation that is made to it or the ceiling that is given to it, to have a priority. It should prioritise its projects and in prioritising its projects too, I would want them to include Wiasi- Yezesi-Tantali road so that the people of the place would benefit from the budget this year.
However, Mr. Speaker, I think we have to thank the Government for taking the bold decision in servicing or paying arrears that were left by the previous Government.
Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Kwabena Owusu-Aduomi (NPP --Ejisu-Juaben)

Mr. Speaker, in 2009, the Ministry of Roads and Highways was allotted 39 per cent of its planned budget -- out of GH¢987.44 million, GH¢386.37 million was approved. Mr. Speaker, this

Mr. Owusu-Aduomi

Mr. Speaker, of particular concern was allowances due Ghana Highway Authority, which out of GH¢3.2 million, only GH¢810,000, about 25 per cent was paid. So Mr. Speaker, it is important that the Ministry had another look at the Administration budget so that it does not result in low working morale of workers and then agitations.

Mr. First Deputy Speaker

Hon Member, kindly wind up.

Mr. Owusu-Aduomi

Mr. Speaker, I will wind up for you. Please, let me continue, I beg you.
Mr. Speaker, the outstanding amount that the Government would have to pay as arrears is so important that the Government should come out with a programme to settle these arrears. The contractors' performances have been affected badly both physically and financially and even spiritually because very little work had been done, that is why the industry sector suffers so much.
Mr. Speaker, when you go to the Budget, on page 309, paragraphs 890 and 891, an attempt was made to have a programme to deal with the arrears. But Mr. Speaker, when you read those paragraphs, paragraph 890 only sought to give the breakdown and 891 sought to just
give the balance to be paid which I believe was not a programme itself.

rose

Mr. First Deputy Speaker

Hon Member, do you have a point of order?

None

This confirms the point that the arrears which we are talking about are not the creation of this year. It is as a result of the works that had not been paid for. For them to be complaining that this year we have not done much -- I admit we have not done much to inject discipline into the system. The arrears we are talking about

have been accumulated over the period and they are admitting that not much had been done this year.

Question put and motion agreed to.

Resolved:

That this Honourable House approves the sum of GH¢352,129,718.00 for the services of the Ministry of Roads and Highways for the 2010 fiscal year.

ANNUAL ESTIMATES

Drugs Board and the following projects

Upgrading of 3 health centres to district hospitals with funding from
OPEC;
Construction and inaugurating of 5 polyclinics/health centres in the Northern Region, at Karaga, Kpandai , Tata le , Janga and Chereponi and a 100-bed general hospital with Malaria Research Centre at Teshie, Accra;
Completion of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital Medical Block, and the GHS Learning Centre at Pantang;
Construction and equipping of CHPS compounds in selected sub- districts;
Upgrading of Tamale Training Hospital;
Construction of 3 regional hospitals at Wa and Kumasi, district hospitals at Madina/Adenta and Weija in

Drugs Board and the following projects

Re-equipping of selected health facilities with various specialized medical equipment, expansion of Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine facilities at KATH and KBTH and the construction of Blood Transfusion Centres at the teaching hospitals.
The construction of Winneba District Hospital, Tarkwa District Hospital and the maternity block at Achimota Hospital, Maamobi, Kaneshie and Mamprobi Poly- clinics;
Completing the Maternity and the Children's Block at Tema General Hospital. And the phase 2 of the rehabilitation and upgrading of Bolgatanga Regional Hospital;
Nurses and Midwives Council, KATH Maternity and Children's Block; Office complex for National Ambulance Service (NAS) and St. John's Ambulance;
P repa ra to ry w orks fo r t he construction of the Urology Centre and Specialized Neurology Centre at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital and the Maternity and Children's Hospital at Ridge Hospital, will be finalized.
Medical Assistants' Training Schools in Volta, Western and Northern Regions, the upgrading of Cape Coast Regional Hospital into a teaching hospital; and the new Midwifery Training Schools at Damongo and Nalerigu will be initiated.
Mr. Speaker, the Ministry of Health's

2010 budget may be summarized as follows:

Item 1: Personal Emolument

GH¢393,147,850

Item 2: Administration

GH¢66,155,966

Item 3: Service

GH¢164,825,357

Item 4: Investment

GH¢102,742,269

Total

GH¢726,871,440

Mr. Speaker, the health sector requires more funds to enable it achieve its stated objectives. For the stated activities and all other routine services, I humbly request the House to consider and approve the

Mr. First Deputy Speaker

Thank you very much for your brevity.

Chairman of the Committee (Maj. (Dr.) (Alhaji) Mustapha Ahmed (retd)

Mr. Speaker, I rise to second the motion and in doing so, present the Committee's Report.
1.0 Introduction
In accordance with article 179 of the Constitution, the Hon Minister for Finance and Economic Planning, Dr. Kwabena Duffuor presented the Budget Statement and Economic Policy of the Government of Ghana for the 2010 fiscal year to the House on Thursday, 18th November, 2009.
Pursuant to Standing Orders 140 (4)
and 178 of the House, Madam Speaker referred the draft Annual Budget Estimates of the Ministry of Health to the Committee for consideration and report to the House.
2.0 Deliberations
The Committee held a series of meetings with the following to deliberate on the 2010 draft Annual Estimates:
1. Hon Minister for Health, Dr. Benjamin Kunbuor, the acting Chief Director of the Sector Ministry, Dr. Sylvester Anemana, as well as Chief Executives, Registrars and Directors of the following agencies and departments:
a. Ministry of Health;
b. Ghana Health Service;
c. Christian Health Association of Ghana;
d. Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital;
e . Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital;
f. Tamale Teaching Hospital;
g. Mental Health Service; h. National Ambulance Service;
i. National Blood Transfusion
Service;
j. National Health Insurance
Scheme;
k. Medical and Dental Council;
l. Pharmacy Council;
m. Nurses and Midwives Council;
n. Traditional Medicine Practice Council;
o. Private Hospitals and Maternity Homes Board;
p. Food and Drugs Board;
q. Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons; and
r. Centre for Scientific Research into Plant Medicine.
The Committee is grateful to them for providing information during delibera- tions on the estimates.
3.0 Reference Documents
In considering the draft Annual Estimates for the sector Ministry, the underlisted documents were used as reference materials:
i. The 1992 Constitution of Ghana;
ii. The Standing Orders of Parliament of Ghana;
iii. The 2009 Budget Statement and Economic Policy of the Government of Ghana;
iv. The 2010 Budget Statement and Economic Policy of the Government of Ghana;
v. The 2009 draft Annual Estimates of the Ministry of Health;
vi. The 2010 draft Annual Estimates of
the Ministry of Health; and
vii. The 2010 draft Work Plan of the Ministry of Health.
4.0 Mission Statement of the Ministry of Health
The Mission Statement of the Ministry of Health for the 2010 fiscal year is to continue to improve the health status of all people living in Ghana through the development and promotion of proactive policies for good health and longevity as well as the provision of universal access to basic health services.
5.0 Objectives
The Ministry operates by the objectives cited below in pursuance of its Mission Statement and Policy within the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF):
1. Strengthen efficiency in health service delivery;
2. Ensure improved maternal and child healthcare;
3. Ensure sustainable financing arrangements that protect the poor;
4. Bridge equity gaps in access to healthcare and nutrition services;
5. Improve health infrastructure;
6. Control the incidence of malaria;
7. Ensure the reduction of HIV/AIDS/ STI/TB transmission, its proper management and promote healthy lifestyle; and
8. Improve mental health services delivery.
6 . 0 R e v i e w o f t h e M i n i s t r y 's Performance in 2009
6.1 Funds Allocated
The Ministry was allocated an amount

of five hundred and forty-six million, seven hundred and twenty thousand, three hundred and ten Ghana cedis (GH¢546,720,310.00) for its activities for the 2009 fiscal year. The breakdown is as follows:

* The table excludes votes for NHIF

(GH¢375,209,162.00).

The amount provided was committed to the following activities:

Government's priorities in 2009 were on reducing maternal and neonatal deaths, enhancing health services for children, consolidating the gains made under the regenerative health and nutrition programme.

6.2 Maternal and Child Health

In October 2009, first entry into medical assistants training in Kintampo was introduced and 100 students were enrolled. Two new midwifery schools were established in Tarkwa and Tamale to increase training of midwives.

6.3 Malaria

The seven, year national Strategic Plan for malaria control was completed and the revised Anti-Malaria Drug Policy signed by Government. In addition, Artemether- Lumefantrine and Dihydroartemisinin- Piperaquine, additional Artemisinin- based Combination Therapy (ACT) were officially recommended for malaria treatment. Six (6) districts in the Northern Region were also covered with Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS).

6.4 Other Non-communicable Diseases

Government embarked on awareness creation on asthma, sickle cell and a sensitization training of NGOs on non- communicable diseases.

6 . 5 C o m m u n i t y - B a s e d H e a l t h Planning and Services (CHPS)

In order to reposition the CHPS strategy to provide services including maternal and child health services to the hard-to-reach areas, Government conducted an in-depth review of the implementation of the CHPS programme.

6.6 Quality and Coverage of Clinical

distribution systems in relation to policies, procedures, statutory arrangement and the financial position of the supply system. The study is aimed at strengthening the financing and functioning of the procurement and supply system.

6 . 7 E m e r g e n c y P re p a re d n e s s and Response

A Ministerial Emergency Medical Services Committee has been formed with all stakeholders responsible for emergency services as members.

6.8 Human Resource Development and Management

Government developed performance agreement proposals and has engaged a technical team to study the proposal and develop implementation strategies.

6.9 National Health Insurance Scheme

Actions implemented were:

In order to ensure a sustainable f inanc ing and improve the operational efficiency, a review of the NHI legislation was undertaken, with a view to repealing the current Act and replacing it with a more appropriate legislation. Stakeholder consultations were held on the draft findings;

A separate legislative amendment has been proposed to cover the police and the armed forces, and to delink the registration of children from that of their parents; and

An actuarial assessment has been updated and various scenarios are in the process of being submitted to Cabinet.

TABLE FOR PAGE 106

6 .10 Harmonizat ion of Heal th Legislation

Major strides were made with the health sector Bills. Memorandum of Instructions has been submitted to the Attorney- General's Department for refinement.

6.11 Infrastructure Development for Effective Health Delivery

During the year under review, the following projects were undertaken:

Construction of Winneba District Hospital;

Construction of a 100-bed general hospital with Malaria Research Centre at Teshie;

Five polyclinics/health centres at Kpandai, Tatale, Janga, Chereponi, and Karaga in the Northern Region and Tarkwa District Hospital commenced;

Began phase 2 of the rehabilitation and upgrading of Bolgatanga Regional Hospital;

Reactivation of some abandoned projects in Accra-Tema Metropolis including the Ussher Polyclinic Theatre , materni ty block at Achimota Hospital, upgrading of Maamobi, Kaneshie and Mamprobi Polyclinics; and the maternity and children's block at Tema General Hospital;

Feasibility studies for establishing maternity and children's hospital at Ridge Hospital was completed;

Completion of 21 health centres with funding from OPEC;

[MAJ. (DR.) (ALH.) AHMED (RETD) [MAJ. (DR.) (ALH.) AHMED (RETD) Care A study is underway to determine the level of performance of the procurement, supply and Va l u e f o r M o n e y ( V F M ) negotiations and statutory approvals of contracts for new projects such as the major refurbishment of the Tamale Teaching Hospital, expansion of Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine Centres at KBTH and KATH, construction of two (2) regional hospitals with staff housing at Wa and Kumasi were undertaken; and Other new projects which were subjected to VFM negotiations and for which contracts approved were the construction of six (6) district hospitals with staff housing at Adenta/Madina, Twifo-Praso, Konongo-Odumasi, Wenchi, Tepa, and Salaga; and the construction of the Blood Transfusion Centres at the teaching hospitals. Improved capacity of internal audit staff in MDAs and MMDAs resulting in 169 IAUs submitting Quarterly Internal Audit Reports. Internal auditors also benefited from training in Procurement Audit and Asset Management; Setting-up and establishment of 287 functional Internal Audit Units in MDAs and MMDAs out of a target of 341; Establishment of an Inspectorate Section of Government's Internal Audit Agency to facilitate action on internal audit reports including, where appropriate, recommen- da t ions of p rosecut ion and disciplinary action in respect of any breaches found after conducting an audit in MDAs and MMDAs; and Organisation of an Annual Internal Audit forum for 650 public service managers to deliberate on Performance Management and the role of Internal Auditing in the Public Sector. 7.0 Budget Projections for 2010 In promoting the Government's objective for the Ministry of Health, an amount of seven hundred and twenty-six million, eight hundred and seventy-one thousand, four hundred and forty-two Ghana cedis (GH¢726,871,442) has been allocated for activities for 2010. The breakdown is as follows: The amount provided would be committed to the following activities: 7.1 Malnutrition As part of efforts to achieve the health- related MDGs, nutrition will be a major focus of the sector. Essential nutrition actions will be implemented in all regions with emphasis on complementary and supplementary feeding of infants, children, pregnant women, nursing mothers and PLHIV technical support to the nutritional aspect of the School Feeding Programme. 7.2 Emergency Services Emergency health services will be strengthened by equipping and upgrading selected accident and emergency centres throughout the country. There will be pooling of ambulances from facilities to the National Ambulance Service (NAS). The focus will also be on developing capacities in the area of emergency care, especially through training of critical personnel at various levels and the provision of additional ambulance. 7.3 Private Sector Collaboration Government will continue to partner the private sector in the areas of developing collaborations for investments in the health industry, promoting welfare and supporting private healthcare delivery. Government will also collaborate with the local pharmaceutical industry to build capacity to international standards (WHO prequalification) and competitiveness. 7.4 National Health Insurance Scheme In order to ensure sustainable financing that will protect the poor, Government will improve the operations of NHIS, particularly claims management, communications and coverage of the poor and linking LEAP with NHIS. Government will also conclude preparatory activities for the implementation of the one-time payment of premiums. 7.5 Primary Healthcare Services As part of the strategies to enhance access to healthcare, Government will deepen the concept of Primary Healthcare by focusing more on the CHPS concept, which is very close to the client, while at the same time strengthening the referral system. Government will work with the SPACE FOR TABLE AT PAGE 110

[MAJ. (DR.) (ALH.) AHMED (RETD) [MAJ. (DR.) (ALH.) AHMED (RETD) District Assemblies and other stakeholders to increase the number of functional CHPS zones and upgrade the skills of CHOs. 7.6 Integrated Planning at District Levels Government will place emphasis on strengthening the district health information system to be able to capture all health information. District planning will also be enhanced to improve co- ordination, transparency and efficiency. 7.7 Health Laws and Regulations Government will continue to review, help to promulgate and implement relevant laws and regulations such as the Mental Health Law, Allied Health Law among others. 7.8 Specialized Tertiary Services Government will increase specialised tertiary services and efforts will continue to be made to establish specialised care and teaching facilities in the tertiary and regional hospitals as centres of excellence in order to provide quality specialised care and reduce expenditure on overseas treatment. 7.9 Other Communicable Diseases To strengthen the control of diseases in 2010, new malaria control measures will be introduced while HIV/AIDS prevention activities such as behavioural change communication strategies, knowledge of status campaign, and targeting at risk groups will be scaled up. Comprehensive care and support services towards achieving universal access will be scaled up. HIV sentinel survey will be undertaken and early infant diagnosis of HIV and capacity-building will be emphasized. Government also plans to introduce two new vaccines (Pneumonias I and Retrovirus) in 2011. However, preparatory activities for the introduction will commence in 2010 and will include training, social mobilization, technical support, supervisory visits, monitoring and feedback to regions and districts. 7.10 Non-communicable Diseases Prevention and control of non- communicab le d i seases such as hypertension, diabetes, sickle cell, cancers and mental disorders will be scaled up. 7.11 Human Resource Development Government will focus on addressing the challenges associated with the sector's wage bill and distribution of critical health staff. Training of middle level cadres such as mental health nurses and midwives will be scaled up and plans are on the way to upgrade post-basic programmes such as Public Health, Critical Care, Perioperative, Anesthesia and Ophthalmic Nursing to degree programmes. 7.12 Traditional Medicine Practice The official institutionalization of traditional and alternative complementary medicine services which began in 2009, would be expanded and strengthened to increase access to good practices in herbal and complementary medicine. Research will be carried on long-term safety and ethical manufacturing of the products into modern and convenient dosage forms under high quality control. In addition to the above, Government will develop data-bases and scientific information on herbal medicines to healthcare professionals and other stakeholders in the industry to enhance the rational and safe use of approved herbal medicines. 7 . 1 3 S t r e n g t h e n i n g H e a l t h Infrastructure As part of efforts to increase access to services, Government will continue with the extension, expansion, upgrading and equipping of polyclinics and health centres, district and regional hospitals and health training institutions. Other projects to be undertaken are: const ruct ion of off ices and laboratories for Food and Drugs Board; completion of works on training institutions nationwide; upgrading of 3 health centres to district hospitals with funding from OPEC; development of MIS and ICT infrastructure of NHIS; completion of selected ongoing projects in health facilities, DHMT and RHMT; construction and inaugurating of 5 polyclinics/health centres in the Northern Region at Karaga, Kpandai , Tata le , Janga and Chereponi and a 100-bed general hospital with Malaria Research Centre at Teshie, Accra; completion and inaugurating of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital Medical Block, and the GHS Learning Centre at Pantang; development, equipping and inaugurating of some CHPS compounds in selected sub-districts; planning activities including contractual issues, negotiations and s ta tutory approvals for the commencement of major rehabilitation and upgrading of Tamale Teaching Hospital, construction of 3 regional hospitals at Wa, Bolgatanga and Koforidua, district hospitals and staff housing at Madina/Adenta and Weija in Accra, Manhyia in Kumasi, Tepa, Salaga, Wenchi, Konongo-Odumasi and Twifo-Praso; preparatory activities for project commencement for the supply and installation of laundry and imaging equipment in selected health facilities, re-equipping of selected health facilities with various specialised medical equipment, expansion of Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine facilities at KATH and KBTH and the construction of the Blood Transfusion Centres at the teaching hospitals; execution of the construction of Winneba District Hospital, Tarkwa District Hospital and the maternity block at Achimota Hospital, Maamobi, Kaneshie and Mamprobi Polyclinics, maternity and the children's block at Tema General Hospital, and the phase 2 of the rehabilitation and upgrading of Bolgatanga Regional Hospital; continuation of ongoing projects such as other health sector projects in the districts including staff accommodation, DHMT and RHMT, offices for the Nurses and Midwifes Council, KATH Maternity and Children's Block; office complex for NAS and St. John's Ambulance, including the expansion of nurses' training institutions nationwide; preparatory works including feasibility studies, needs and site assessment, appraisals, value for money audits, tendering, negotia- tions, funds mobilization and required approvals for Specialized Urology Centre and Specialised Neurology Centre, both at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, maternity and children's hospital at Ridge Hos- pital, Accra; preparatory works will be done for the development of various regional and district hospitals, health centres, centres of excellence and equipment installations, medical assistants' training schools in Volta, Western and Northern Regions, upgrading of Cape Coast Regional Hospital into a teaching hospital; and the new Midwifery Training Schools in the Northern Region at Damango and Nalerigu. 8.0 Observations and Recommendations Personal Emoluments It was observed that funding of Personal Emoluments continues to be a challenge to the Ministry of Health since it forms about 95 per cent of the total Government of Ghana allocation of GH¢400,450,712 to the sector leaving just about 5 per cent constituting GH¢7,302,862 for financing of Items 2, 3, and 4 at the operational level. Internally Generated Fund contributions are therefore, used to support operations annually. It was also observed that the amount of GH¢377,600,000 provided for Personal Emoluments under GOG still falls short of the total wage bill of the Ministry by about GH¢91,540,000. The Committee recommen-ded that the Ministry of Health should liaise with the Ministry of Finance

[MAJ. (DR.) (ALH.) AHMED (RETD)

[MAJ. (DR.) (ALH.) AHMED (RETD) and Economic Planning to correct this anomaly to ensure that all staff are paid within the year. Abuja Declaration The Abuja Declaration to which Ghana is a signatory enjoins Government to commit 15 per cent of its total Budget to health. This has over the years not been complied with and although there have been aggregate increases in the budget of the Ministry of Health between 2004 and 2009, the Ministry's share of the total government Budget has suffered a steady decline in real terms from 11.7 per cent in 2005 to 8.2 per cent in 2009. The Committee, however, noted with satisfaction an increase of the Ministry of Health's share of the national Budget from 8.2 per cent to 13.85 per cent. The Committee urged Government to commit more funds to the operations of the Ministry of Health in realization of its commitments to the Abuja Declaration. Below is a table indicating the percentage increase in the Ministry of Health's share of the country's Budget from 2004 to 2009. Internally Generated Fund (IGF) It was observed that the Internally Generated Fund of the Ministry of Health has increased substantially from GH¢108,312 in 2009 to GH¢259,633 in 2010. The increase was attributed to a low projection of inflows for the 2009 fiscal year. The Committee, therefore, recommends the introduction of a better tracking system to capture IGF inflows effectively. It was again realised that departments under the Ministry overspend their allocated IGF without prior approval from the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning. The Committee strongly urged the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning to monitor and ensure the departments and agencies under the Ministry of Health do not spend beyond the approved IGF. National Health Insurance Scheme The Committee noted with concern the late release of funds to the National Health Insurance Scheme by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning. Out of the GH¢392.00 million to be transferred to the Scheme only GH¢ 201.50 has so far been released as per the Budget read on Thursday, 18th November, 2009. However, according to the NHIA, only GH¢92.00 million has so far been received. The discrepancy affected the transfer of funds to the mutual health insurance schemes as well as distressed departments and agencies under the Ministry of Health. The Committee recommended that if possible, a desk be created at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning to track transfers or releases to the NHIA. It was further recommended that the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning should release funds to the NHIA on time since the revenue is tied to the Value Added Tax under section 86 of the National Health Insurance Act, 2003 (Act 650). In the opinion of the Committee, if the recommendations are adhered to, there would be early releases of funds to the mutual health schemes, hospitals and the Scheme would be protected from collapse. The NHIA should also endeavour to strictly adhere to recommendations by the august House. Investment Projects The Committee noted with concern that although certain projects were targeted for completion last year, they are yet to be awarded for execution. They include the rehabilitation of the six district hospitals at Adenta/Madina, Twifo-Praso, Konongo- Odumasi, Wenchi, Tepa, and Salaga. It was explained that the delay is as a result of gaps identified in the project documents presented to the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning. The Ministry of Health promised to re- submit the documents for further review and approval within the year to ensure completion of the projects. The Committee admonished the Ministry of Health to expedite action on the review of the contract documents and commence work on the proposed projects as early as possible. Community- Based Health Planning and Services Compounds (CHPS) The Committee was again not satisfied with the amount of money allocated for the purchase of equipment for CHPS compounds. The Committee viewed the GH¢1,000,000 allocated as woefully inadequate. However, it was explained that additional funds have been provided under the National Ambulance Service budget to support the CHPS compounds. The Committee was not satisfied with SPACE FOR TABLE AT PAGE 114

[MAJ. (DR.) (ALH.) AHMED (RETD)

[MAJ. (DR.) (ALH.) AHMED (RETD) the explanation because the two projects are not related and asked that the National Ambulance Service programme should be decoupled from the development of the CHPS compounds to ensure adequate development of the CHPS compounds to the benefit of the rural poor. Budget Support Considering funds generated by some departments, like the Food and Drugs Board and the Pharmacy Council, the Committee was of the view that within three years, they should be able to carry out their activities without GOG support. It was, therefore, recommended that the Ministry should monitor the performance of these departments and within three years wean them off GOG budget support. Food and Drugs Board The Committee was gratified to know that all 50 cars owned by the Food and Drugs Board have been comprehensively insured. The Committee commended them for their initiative and foresight and encouraged them to insure their offices and equipment as well, if possible. The Committee was, however, not happy with funds expended on electricity and rental charges. It, therefore, urged the Board to expedite work on its office complex in order to cut down on cost incurred on electricity and rental charges. Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital It was observed that the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital has too many specialists who have very little to do during the year because very few cases are referred to them. It was explained that Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital would adopt hospitals in southern Ghana that are in need of specialists and engage some of them there. The Committee was satisfied with the proposal and hoped it would be implemented within the year. It was also recommended that Tamale and Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospitals should also adopt hospitals in the northern sector. The Committee further recommended a review of charges at the hospital to increase internally generated funds which would assist in the defraying of debt owed by the hospital. Mental Hospital It was observed that an amount of GH¢118,000 meant for construction of a mortuary building at the Accra Psychiatric Hospital was not utilized. The fence wall to the Medical Director's residence was also constructed but not paid for. Even though the Estates Management Unit of the Ghana Health Service has submitted the detailed design of the mortuary project for review, the contract for the construction of the mortuary is yet to be awarded. It is the view of the Committee that action on the award of contract should be expedited to ensure early completion of the project. Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital Renovation works on the maternity and childrens' block of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital are still pending although it serves a large population in the Ashanti and adjoining regions. The Committee expressed worry at this development and urged that funds should be allocated in the ensuing year to complete the project in order to reduce congestion and the high maternal and infant mortality rate at the hospital. National Ambulance Service It was acknowledged that the National Ambulance Service contributes immensely to the provision of pre-hospital care to the sick and wounded by conveying them to health facilities on time. It, however, has only twenty-three ambulances operational throughout the country. These ambulances are not enough to satisfy the needs of the public. Funds were not, however, released for the purchase of new ambulances as expected in 2009. It is the hope of the Committee that funds would be released within the year to augment the current fleet. Tamale Teaching Hospital The Tamale Teaching Hospital has not seen any major renovation works since it was inaugurated in 1974. It was therefore gratifying to note that a loan of twenty- eight million euros (€28.00 million) has been secured by Government for major renovation works at the hospital. An amount of GH¢3.5 million has also been allocated as counterpart funding under the Ministry of Health's budget in support of the project by providing for doctors' accommodation. The Committee, however, observed with regret that allocated funds to the project have been captured under the Ghana Health Service and the Food and Drugs Board investment budget for 2010. The Committee was of the view that it would be difficult to access the funds under this arrangement. It, therefore, recommended that the funds should be lodged under the Office of the Minister for easy access. The law governing the hospital should also be reviewed within the shortest possible time to upgrade it to the status of a teaching hospital. Private Hospitals and Maternity Homes Board The Committee realised that although the Private Hospitals and Maternity Homes Board has accommodation and transportation problems, no provision has been made under investment to that effect. This, in the opinion of the Committee, would affect their operations within the year. The Ministry of Health was therefore requested to review the charges of the Board from GH¢20.00 to GH¢50.00 to enable them generate additional funds to support their activities. The law governing the Board should also be reviewed to give impetus to their operations. Pharmacy Council The third Board of the Pharmacy Council ended its mandate in October 2007. There is, therefore, no supervising authority to see to the operations and major decisions of the Council. The Committee recommended an early commissioning of the new Council to make room for improved performance within the year. Programmes under the Ministry of Health The Committee observed with concern that Ministry of Health could not account for major donor support programmes like the Malaria Control Programme, TB Control Programme and National AIDS Control Programme although they fall under its purview. Funds have again been committed to these programmes in the 2010 Budget. Considering the quantum of funds provided to these programmes, the Committee recommended that the Ministry of Health should take steps to monitor and account for these programmes. 9.0 Conclusion Health is not only a human rights issue but also a key driver of development and ultimately of wealth creation. It is, therefore, imperative that adequate resources are committed to the sector to ensure that lives are saved as expected. Funds committed to the activities of the Ministry are still not up to 15 per cent of the national Budget but the Committee is

[MAJ. (DR.) (ALH.) AHMED (RETD)

[MAJ. (DR.) (ALH.) AHMED (RETD) appreciative of the quantum increase and therefore, recommends that the House approves of the amount of seven hundred and twenty-six million, eight hundred and seventy-one thousand, four hundred and forty-two Ghana cedis (GH¢726,871,442) for the activities of the Ministry of Health for the 2010 fiscal year. Question proposed.

Dr. Richard W. Anane (NPP - Nyhiaeso)

Mr. Speaker, I thank you for giving me the permission to associate with the motion and by so doing, also to support the motion on the floor.
Mr. Speaker, the Committee on Health met about 15 out of the 16 agencies that the Ministry of Health normally uses in order to, at least, get whatever it is to go through.
Mr. Speaker, a few observations were made. But, Mr. Speaker, because of lack of time, even though I wish to mention a few, I would wish that the paper I prepared may also be captured.
Mr. Speaker, on malaria, this was one of the major areas of concern in the 2009 Budget. This year, we did not seem to see it as it was captured in the 2009 Budget. In 2009, we heard about the eradication of malaria. In 2010, we are going to hear about a subdued control of malaria. And the question that some people may be asking is, what happened to the eradication, and why are we still not doing the eradication? But Mr. Speaker, I do know that the Ministry has now taken control of this action and they will come out clearly for the world to know whether it is a matter of eradication or control.
Mr. Speaker, the Hon Minister also mentioned the question of maternal
mortality. Maternal mortality is a very worrisome environment in our health sector. It is so worrisome, as the Hon Minister said in his presentation, to find a healthy woman go to a hospital to deliver and end up dead. Mr. Speaker, it is based on these observations that during the last dispensation, the President moved to get the, so to speak, “Kufuor Free Maternal Healthcare for Mothers” under the National Health Insurance Scheme.
It is also an unfortunate observation but I would want to believe that perhaps, it was not noticed in the course of the Budget preparation that, for the 2009 Budget, the funding from the United Kingdom (UK) which was to support this free maternal healthcare could not be accessed by the Ministry of Health. Fortunately, this year, after our interactions, it is captured. And we are happy and hope that our mothers will continue to be taken care of so that we do not have many of our mothers dying when they deliver children.
Mr. Speaker, one of the major areas of concern, which to some of us, is almost a very important area and an alternative to our health financing, is the issue of health insurance. Mr. Speaker, over the last few years, we have seen that health insurance has taken a big chunk of our health budget. We believe that if we manage it properly, it should eventually be able to even get our national health budget out of our Consolidated Fund for other funds to be used for other equally important areas of our economy.
Mr. Speaker, you could notice that in 2007, the National Health Insurance was to get GH¢291,823,883; in 2008, it was to get GH¢256.5 million; in 2009, it was to get GH¢375.209 million. Mr. Speaker, as at the time the Budget was being prepared and as at the time the Budget was presented, the National Health Insurance had transferred to it about
GH¢201 million. Mr. Speaker, it was also brought to the notice of Hon Members of the Committee that the Health Insurance Fund had to also fall on some of these reserve funds.
Mr. Speaker, the worrisome element of the National Health Insurance is that most of the health institutions depend on the outlook of the health insurance funding to them. Mr. Speaker, what we noticed was that disbursement did not go to a lot of the institutions and therefore, many of them complained about their inability to do their work.
Mr. Speaker, it is based on this that we want to draw attention to and to ask that the Ministry takes a clearer stand on this for the agency to also appreciate the need to ensure that disbursement go as quickly as possible. We are not saying this without taking note of the fact that we also appreciate the issue of the problem of claims. We do appreciate that very well. Mr. Speaker, it is so all over the world, Ghana is no different. But we believe that if we take the bull by the horns, we should be able to manage this system for it to succeed for the betterment of the people of Ghana. That is, with respect to the health insurance.
Mr. Speaker, also institutions like the Private Hospitals and the Maternity Homes Board, the College of Physicians and Surgeons as well as the National Ambulance Service were institutions, we believe, whose activities are eventually going to impact on the clients of the National Health Insurance Authority.
Mr. Speaker, this year, this Parliament requested for these institutions to be supported and it is so because it was found also -- Again, one cannot say much apart from the fact that perhaps, it was an
oversight that the College of Physicians and Surgeons was not getting funding for this year. And, therefore, it was believed that the National Ambulance Service could bridge the gap and help to get the College to go on.
Unfortunately, this funding was not disbursed and therefore, the College of Physicians and Surgeons could not function as it would normally have to. Mr. Speaker, that is one of the things that we want to raise and I believe that sitting in the Seat, he will take note and make sure that eventually these institutions benefit from the National Health Insurance Scheme.
We also take note of the fact that there is going to be a review of the law of the National Health Insurance Authority. Mr. Speaker, we are waiting -- almost im-patiently for the review because we all want the National Health Insurance Authority to function properly.
Mr. Speaker, I would not delve into the
issue of the one-time premium payment. But we are only interested basically in the rehashing of the law to make the National Health Insurance as strong as it should be so that all of us will be the beneficiaries.
We also think the National Ambulance Service should be taken care of. And we believe the National Health Insurance Authority, especially in the review of the law, should take cognisance of the National Ambulance Service, which law, I believe, will be coming. But we expect funding to also be coming from the National Health Insurance Authority to support the National Ambulance Service whose activities go to the benefit of the people who eventually are clients of the National Health Insurance.
Mr. Speaker, one observation that we

[MAJ. (DR.) (ALH.) AHMED (RETD)

[DR. ANANE) made was that because of the internally generated funds (IGF) -- and if care is taken of the IGF, some institutions could also be weaned off the Consolidated Fund. Institutions like the Food and Drugs Board and the Pharmacy Council are two such institutions which we hope the Hon Minister could take a good look at and, maybe, in the next two, three years consider weaning off the Consolidated Fund. We believe that if these institutions are weaned off and they are encouraged, other institutions will also be weaned off so that eventually the Consolidated Fund can be applied to other areas for the benefit of the people. Mr. Speaker, I said I only intended presenting my Paper to the Table for eventual placement in the Hansard, so I may not say much. But I want to call on the Hon Minister to take deliberate measures, deliberate policy decisions, backed with action, backed with decision-making so that some of the things that he wants to do could eventually come to fruition. But Mr. Speaker, before I sit down, the question of the Mental Health Law was raised several times and we want to draw attention to it so that it will be taken care of. So true is the issue of the Tamale Teaching Hospital. It was gratifying, while we were out at Swedru, to hear that the loan facility for the rehabilitation of the Tamale Teaching Hospital had been passed by the House. Mr. Speaker, we are happy about this. But we also think that one of the things that can help to place the Tamale Teaching Hospital as a teaching hospital is for the legislation to put it into that position. So,we call on the Hon Minister to take note and to quicken the pace of presenting that legislation so that

Mr. First Deputy Speaker

Hon Chairman of the Committee, your figure in your Committee's Report is different from the motion moved by the Hon Minister. I

Mr. First Deputy Speaker

Dr. Kunbuor

On a point of order. Mr. Speaker, I entreat my Hon good Friend, Dr. Prempeh to read the paragraph again very, very carefully. The paragraph says,
“. . . to further ensure fairness and equity, it is proposed that parliamentary exemptions for duties on vehicles” --
not duties on vehicles for Members of Parliament. It is this House that grants exemptions on all vehicles and so when you say for purposes of equity, we are dealing with the parliamentary role of granting exemptions and not one on vehicles for Members of Parliament.
Please, he should read the paragraph again very carefully.

Mr. First Deputy Speaker

Hon Member, for very good reasons, we should veer away from this debate and look at the specific estimates.

Dr. Prempeh

Mr. Speaker, I would want to read -- [Interruption.] Mr. Speaker, the English is absolutely clear, bullet point 2, paragraph 866, if the Hon Minister cares to read with me --
“. . . special permits granted to personnel of the Health and Teaching Services on vehicle imports were intended to be temporary. It is important to minimize revenue losses and also to ensure fairness and equity to all taxpayers in both the public and private sectors. These exemptions will therefore

Mr. Felix Twumasi-Appiah

Mr. First Deputy Speaker

What is
the Order number?

Mr. Twumasi-Appiah

Mr. Speaker,
Order 92. My Hon Friend here, on the issue of relevance, is relating the Ministry of Health's Policy to Parliament and what have you. Mr. Speaker, I would advise my Hon Friend, just as you have ruled, to veer off all these unnecessary additions and concentrate on the debate of the Report of the Ministry or the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health.

Mr. Ambrose P. Dery

Mr. Speaker, I

Mr. First Deputy Speaker

Thank you very much, Hon Deputy Minority Leader.
Hon Member, kindly wind up.

Dr. Prempeh

Mr. Speaker, I would
like to bring the issue of donor funds to

Dr. Prempeh

the fore or to bear on us.

In the Ministry of Health, there is a National Malaria Control Programme. There are other agencies in the Ministry of Health, all dealing with malaria, that is even outside the National Malaria Control Programme, likewise Tuberculosis (TB) and HIV. And then when we go to the revenue sector, donor support in the Budget, we do not see any of these donor support in the Ministry of Health's budget or total Government revenue expectation. That is my problem. When I look at the spending on HIV, the Ghana AIDS Commission, even though it is under the Office of the President, the donor support they get from the Gates Foundation is obviously missing in this Budget.

How do we account or how do we exercise our role as supervisors of the Executive when funds are not accounted for in our Budget? So I entreat the Hon Minister for Health to diligently apply his mind -- I know he is more than capable -- in bringing to bear the true state of our public funds because this budget is woefully inadequate when it comes to how much we are spending on the health sector.

This year, it is one of the lowest percentages we have spent in the last four years as a percentage of total government funds. We are far short of the Abuja Declaration and Ghana is being committed to other international agencies, ratification of other laws when even Parliament does not know about them.

Mr. Speaker, I would entreat the Hon Minister for Health to take charge of this Ministry to help in the development of our nation.

Maj. (Dr.) (Alhaji) Mustapha Ahmed

(retd) -- rose --

Mr. First Deputy Speaker

Mr. Andrews Adjei-Yeboah (NPP -- Tano South)

Mr. Speaker, I rise to support the motion moved by the Hon Minister and the Report presented by the Chairman. I want to make a few comments and remarks.
The first is in the area of plantation development which the former Govern- ment did a lot about. We were not actually made to appreciate currently how funds are going to be used to maintain that which was made. The other time when the Hon Minister came here to answer a Question, he tried to tell us about new plans that he was actually going to implement but detailed activity to manage that which was made over the years under the President's Special Initiative (PSI), we never heard much about it.
I also want to indicate that last year, we provided money for it. Unfortunately, what was set out as target was also not realized and some of us are worried and concerned, considering the fact that at the rate at which the forest is going, we need to do something, else, ultimately, we will lose out on what we have.
Last year, it was indicated that about twenty thousand hectares were going to be planted. They did twelve thousand, three hundred and fourteen, which translates into sixty-one per cent. So considering the rate of destruction, that is not waiting for what we are supposed to be planting,

Mr. Andrews Adjei-Yeboah (NPP -- Tano South)

MR. SECOND DEPUTY SPEAKER

CEDECOM

NBSSI

GEPC

Mr. P. W. Pepera (NPP -- Abetifi)

Mr. Speaker, I rise to support and contribute to the motion No. 10 that the House approves the sum of GH¢65,002,736.00
SPACE FOR TABLE AT PAGE 192

for the services of the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

Mr. Speaker, I would try to be as brief

Mr. Second Deputy Speaker

Hon
Member, you will have to be brief. You will be brief.

Ms. Hannah Tetteh

Thank you,
Mr. Speaker, and I am grateful for the comments and contributions from the Hon Members of the House.
Mr. Speaker, I would be the first person who would be overjoyed if the Ministry of Trade and Industry had 90 per cent of Government's resources allocated it and definitely, a lot of things would be achieved with that kind of money. But given that our developmental needs in all areas are very serious and we have to allocate the funds somehow, we will make do with the resources available.
I also appreciate the comments from Hon Members on the shortfall in the Personal Emoluments (P.E.) estimates for the Ministry of Trade and Industry that affects, especially, the operations of our activities in our embassies, that is, the salaries of our trade attaches. I have communicated to my Hon Colleague, the Hon Minister for Finance and Economic Planning in writing, the shortfall and he assures me that he would see what could be done about it as soon as possible and we would bring that information to this House, of course, so that the necessary approval is made.
I want to assure Hon Colleagues also
that it was not an attempt to understate the expenditure of the Government of Ghana but it probably was a misunderstanding between the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning on the requirement for Personal Emolument for this Ministry.

Mr. First Deputy Speaker

Hon Majority Leader, what next?

Mr. Bagbin

Mr. Speaker, I think we should now take the estimates on the Judicial Service which is item 13 on page 4 of the Order Paper. We have enjoyed the company of the Supreme Court Judges since morning and I think that we should allow them to listen to the debate on their budget and go back to perform very important national duty.

Mr. Second Deputy Speaker

Item
13 -- motion.
Hon Minister for Justice and Attorney- General?

Mr. Bagbin

Mr. Speaker, I would
seek your permission and the indulgence

ANNUAL ESTIMATES

--

rose

Mr. Second Deputy Speaker

Hon
Member, do you rise on a point of order? Perhaps, we will listen first to the Chairman of the Committee. The Chairman of the Committee is on his feet, please, let him -- Lawyer Agbesi.

Mr. Second Deputy Speaker

Dr. Duffuor

Certainly, that is what we are trying to do, Mr. Speaker.

rose

Mr. Second Deputy Speaker

Yes. Thank you.
Yes, Hon Member, you want to help in this regard?

rose

Mr. Second Deputy Speaker

In your leadership role, I will let you, please, go to the back first.
Yes, Hon Member, your contribution. I will come to the Leaders to wind up.

Mr. Ahmed Ibrahim (NDC -- Tain)

Mr. Speaker, thank you for the opportunity given to contribute to the motion. In doing so Mr. Speaker, I would also like to join my Ranking Member who has just finished his contribution to congratulate His Excellency Prof. John Evans Atta Mills for doing well or for doing a good job to the Judiciary.
I strongly believe that the Judiciary was the first to be in the “better Ghana”. Simply because for the first time in 2009, all that the Judiciary asked for was not just approved by the Presidency but rather it was released. And like the Hon Ranking Member said, even though the Executive or the President released the money, all the money was not exhausted by the Judiciary.
My problem is this, the President, after cutting the budgets of other Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and giving to the Judiciary just because of that constitutional obligation that they should enjoy judicial independence and do their job well, the Judiciary could not exhaust all the money.
Mr. Speaker, the second problem is that, if you were given GH¢52 million in 2009 and you could not use all, now, you are given GH¢84 million; the problem is, are we saying that if you were not able to use GH¢52 million but GH¢38 million out of GH¢52 million and you are now going to be given GH¢84 million, can you use

it? Here we are.

We have cut the budgets for other MDAs, and they are lamenting their budgets have been cut. But those who could not use all of the budget that was given to them, because of constitutional obligation, have had theirs increased.

The point I want to make is the contribution made by the Ranking Member, that next year, we should do what we are supposed to do. The Judiciary budget must be first considered so that the figure that would be agreed on, that they can use in the year, would be inserted in the Budget before it comes to the House for approval. I think if due diligence is taken, all the hullabaloo that we are making here would not be made and Ghana would be taken to the “better Ghana” which has been promised by His Excellency Prof. John Evans Atta Mills.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Second Deputy Speaker

Yes, the Hon Member for Akim Abuakwa South, Mr. Atta Akyea.

Mr. Samuel Atta Akyea (NPP--

Akim Abuakwa South): Thank you Mr. Speaker, for the opportunity to contribute to the motion on the floor.

My first reaction is to take off from where Mr. Speaker gave us the advice. Some of us have taken for granted when there are constitutional infractions from the Presidency. I wish to refer this House to the Constitution, that one of the grounds for the removal of the President is when he violates the Constitution. With respect, I would like to refer to article 69 (1) of the Constitution and Mr. Speaker, with your indulgence, I would like to quote:

Mr. A. W. G. Abayateye

On a point

Mr. Second Deputy Speaker

Hon
Member, he said it is the best and for that matter, it is a matter of good, better, best. He said it was the best in his opinion and that does not mean what somebody presented is not good or better. It is his own judgment of that being best.
That is not a point of order.
Hon Member, please, continue.

Mr. Abayateye

With what is he
making the comparison?

rose

Mr. Second Deputy Speaker

You
would now want to take your point of order? Please, proceed.

Mr. Twumasi-Appiah

On a point of
order. Mr. Speaker, my Hon Colleague is grossly misleading this House. Mr. Speaker, even if, indeed, these figures he is mentioning are explicitly expressed there, these are just a matter of projections. He is talking as if these are actuals that have been spent or are going to be spent by the President. These are just projections. The President can decide and I know Professor Mils may decide or can decide to say “I am not even travelling at all”. So these are just projections and he should speak to those ones.

Mr. Second Deputy Speaker

Yes,
Hon Member, now heading the Majority Chair?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. They cannot -- [Interruption.]

Mr. Second Deputy Speaker

Yes, exactly. They cannot as by law.

Mr. Avedzi

Mr. Speaker, but what we are failing to do as a House is not looking at the practicality of that requirement of the Constitution -- [Interruption.]

rose

Mr. Avedzi

Mr. Speaker, if the total resource envelope of this country is GH¢12 billion and one arm of Government, that is, the Judiciary is requesting for GH¢10 billion -- [Interruption] -- Mr. Speaker, should we say because the Constitution said we cannot cut their requirement, we give the GH¢10 billion to the Judiciary, leaving only GH¢2 billion for the rest of the sectors? -- [Inter-ruption.]

Mr. Second Deputy Speaker

Hon Member, if I may just comment on the appropriate understanding of the Constitution; it means it does not lie within the power of the Executive to cut and present to Parliament, but they should present unedited, untouched, in whole, what the Judiciary asks to Parliament, which has the power to deal with the matter.
But, in any case, the Executive has the right by the law of the Constitution to present its own recommendations on the matter. The body or authority that can make any decision on the matter is this Honourable House. Let us get the powers of Parliament very clear in this matter.
Please, you may proceed.

Mr. Avedzi

Mr. Speaker, I was making those points because if we accept this figure, the GH¢84 million, it is going to throw off completely the motion that was moved by the Hon Minister. So what do we do in the Appropriation Bill? [Interruption] -- I was saying this so that we can call the attention of the Hon Minister to ensure that when

Papa Owusu-Ankomah

On a point of order. Mr. Speaker, I believe the Hon Member, who is the Chairman of the Finance Committee is really misleading the House.
Mr. Speaker, when estimates are considered by committees in accordance with the Constitution, the committees do not give directives to the Minister for Finance and Economic Planning how he would fund them. You do not make recommendations, it is the Minister's duty to know how to manage the finances.
But having said that, the Hon Member has made his point -- We have had some discussions and we were trying to see if we could come to some understanding, and if as the Acting Leader for a brief period -- [Interruption] -- or the available Leader as he describes himself at a certain point in time, if you let the Hon Minister for Finance and Economic Planning make his argument, we will see how we can advance the business of this House.
The course he is traversing may really throw this House out of gear, so I am appealing to him to permit the Hon Minister for Finance and Economic Planning to make his concluding remarks.
Mr. Speaker, thank you.

Mr. Second Deputy Speaker

Hon
Minister for Finance and Economic Planning, are you rising? Once you get on your feet, I will call you. This is your business, essentially.

Dr. Kwabena Duffuor

Mr. Speaker, the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning has had discussions and an understanding with the Committee. Mr. Speaker, we have realized that, yes, we could not have had the figure from the President, and therefore, we want to urge this august House to approve the estimates in the Budget.
We want to give the commitment that the difference between what the Committee has recommended and what is in the Budget, that excess will be covered by the Ministry by sourcing other funding from other domestic sources or from outside Ghana as we have been doing for very other important units like Defence, Interior and Parliament. So, Mr. Speaker, that is what I want this august House to do for us, to approve these estimates as we have in the Budget.
Mr. Speaker, thank you very much.

Mr. Second Deputy Speaker

Hon Member, if you would wind up.

Mr. Avedzi

Mr. Speaker, I am

Mr. Barton-Odro

Mr. Speaker, I
believe that we have all gone through a very exciting debate as far as this budget of the Judiciary goes. It shows the extent to which Hon Members are interested in the work of the Judiciary.
We want to thank the Committee for doing a good job and we also want to thank Hon Members for the extreme interest shown in the budget for the Judiciary.
Thank you very much. Mr. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu -- rose --

Mr. Second Deputy Speaker

Hon Members, I will now put the Question.
Hon Minority Leader, I did not see you. In deference to your position, if you may
make a couple of remarks.

Minority Leader (Mr. Osei

None

Mensah-Bonsu): Mr. Speaker, thank you very much.

Mr. Speaker, I believe that the issues raised go to the matter which I raised in my own remarks when we were debating the principles of the Budget. And I said that we should be mindful of the points of entry of the estimates which we submitted from Parliament, the Judiciary and the Audit Service. Maybe, if we streamline this, we may not have the difficulty that we are having.

It may be recalled that in 2008, we had the same difficulty with the budget of the Electoral Commission and indeed, we had an undertaking from the then Minister of State at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning before we concluded the debate on the allocation to the Electoral Commission. I think we are confronted with the same problem here.

Mr. Speaker, my appeal is that we take this into serious consideration because I do know, when we come to consider the budget of Parliament, we may be confronted with the same problem. We may need some assurances and commitment from the Hon Minister before we bring the matter to a closure.

Mr. Speaker, in the circumstance, we may have to, before the Question is put, amend the figure in the motion and then plus the assurance and commitment from the Minister to cover the additional -- you could put the Question and then the vote will be taken on it.

Mr. Speaker, I thank you.

Mr. Second Deputy Speaker

Thank you Hon Minority Leader. This is a very, important matter because in one breath, we are talking about GH¢84,801,941.30 and that I take is what is now standing.

Otherwise, what we have done is an exercise in futility and that is why I take it also that the Hon Minister has assured us that in the course of time, he will find ways and means of making up for every shortcoming in order to satisfy this amount, which means therefore, that Parliament is operating and approving of the GH¢84,801,941.30 in the hope that he finds that. So let us make the position clearly.

Mr. Speaker, we will
move on to item 17, at page 5, which deals with the Ministry of Tourism. The Committee early on presented the Report on Trade and Industry. It is now left with Tourism.

ANNUAL ESTIMATES

Minister for Tourism (Mrs. Juliana Azumah-Mensah)

Mr. Speaker, I beg to move, that this Honourable House approves the sum of GH¢7,757,089.00 for the services of the Ministry of Tourism for the 2010 fiscal year.
Mr. Speaker, the Ministry of Tourism exists to support the national vision of achieving a middle-income status through the development and promotion of Ghana as an internationally competitive and preferred tourist destination.
The tourism sector continues to be one of the most important and fastest growing sectors of the Ghanaian economy. It is the fourth largest foreign exchange earner, contributing US$1.4 billion to the nation's foreign exchange earnings in 2008, after merchandised exports and remittances. The sector contributes significantly to the services sector which currently cons- titutes 31.2 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product.
It generated between 183,192 and 234,679 direct and indirect employment during the period 2006 to 2008.
Tourism, in many countries, has proven to be a strong catalyst in the diversifica- tion of the economy because of its multiplier effect.
Even though tourism is considered by all as a strategically important sector, budgetary allocation over the years to the Ministry has been on the low side and there is a general low appreciation of the contribution of tourism to the national accounts.
Mr. Speaker, based on the above observations, it is evident that sustainable tourism provides the reliable alternative source of foreign exchange earnings as well as the creation of wealth and employment leading to poverty reduction.
These factors call for a special attention and continuous support to the sector.
Mr. Speaker, the Ministry requested for an amount of sixteen million, seven hundred and sixty thousand Ghana cedis (GH¢16,760,000) to undertake its programmes, and was allocated seven million, seven hundred and fifty-seven thousand and eighty-nine cedis (7,757,089) representing about forty-six per cent (46.51%) of the amount requested.

Mr. Speaker, the amount allocated will cater for

Items
GH¢
i. Personal Emoluments
503,125
ii. Administration
1,453,553
iii. Service
4,250,000
iv. Investment
1,211,760
v. IGF
338,649
Total
7,757,089
I humbly request the House to approve the amount of seven million, seven hundred and fifty-seven thousand and eighty-nine Ghana cedis (GH¢7,757,089).
2010 Activities
Mr. Speaker, the Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with its implementing agency, the Ghana Tourist Board will in 2010 undertake the following activities:

Mr. Speaker, the Ministry and GTB will

Conduct inspections, and license accommodation enterprises in all the 10 regions using the new harmonized ECOWAS standards to enhance service delivery.
Hold consultative meetings with the Ministry of Land and Natural Resources and other stakeholders for the implementation of the Lion Project.
Form tourism clubs at schools, workplaces, churches, et cetera to promote domestic tourism. Organize sensitization programmes on the Tourism Bill for stakeholders in tourism in the 10 regions including traditional activities.
Package Homecoming Pilgrimages to Ghana - to the castle and slave sites.
Facilitate the implementation of eco-brigades to clean beaches and eco-tourist sites.
Facilitate the establishment of the Accra Tourism Visitors Centre with Japanese funding.
Commence the construction of 3 new tourist receptive facilities at Paga, Axim, Kpetoe.
Organize Public-Private Partnership forum and Ministerial meetings.
Purchase plants, equipment and vehicles for effective management.
Refurbish office building for the Ministry of Tourism to enhance efficiency at the workplace.

Mr. Speaker, the Ministry and GTB will

Mr. Speaker, the Ministry is grateful for Government's continuous commitment to ensure that the tourism sector becomes the number one foreign exchange earner for the economy. Despite the meagre budgetary support, the tourism industry is still the most reliable in terms of its contribution to GDP, foreign exchange earnings and other revenue to the State. With adequate financial support, we could do better. It has the propensity of making Ghana exceed its per capita income target of US$1,000.
Mr. Speaker, I wish to assure Hon
Members that the Ministry will continue to implement its programmes to ensure the socio-economic growth nationwide by raising the necessary awareness on the sustainable development of tourism for revenue generation, wealth creation and the preservation and conservation of our rich, natural, cultural and historical heritage.
I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Thank you.
Chairman of the Committee on Trade, Industry and Tourism (Mr.
Stephen Kunsu): Mr. Speaker, I rise to second the motion moved by the Hon Minister and to present your Committee's Report.
1.0 Introduction
In accordance with article 179 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, the Minister for Finance and Economic Planning, Dr. Kwabena Duffuor on Wednesday, 18th November, 2009 presented to the House, the Budget Statement and Economic Policy of the Government of Ghana for the 2010 financial year.
Pursuant to Standing Orders 140 (4) and 159 of the House, Madam Speaker referred the Annual Estimates for the year 2010 of the Ministry of Tourism to the Committee on Trade, Industry and Tourism for consideration and report.
In considering the Annual Estimates, the Committee met with the Hon Minister for Tourism, Hon Juliana Azumah- Mensah, the Deputy Minister, Hon Kwabena Owusu
Acheampong and the technical team from the Ministry. The Committee reports as follows:
2.0 Reference Documents
The Committee in its deliberations referred to the following:
The 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana; The Standing Orders of the House; and
The 2010 Budget Statement and Economic Policy.
3.0 Mission Statement of the Ministry
The Ministry exists to create a conducive and favourable environment for sustainable growth and development that would ensure:
that the tourism sector achieves a greater contribution to GDP growth through effective and efficient use of appropriate policies, corporate planning, programmes, and projects as well as public-private partner- ship; and
a sustainable relationship with the Diaspora for resource mobilization

and investment.

4.0 Implementing Agencies

The main implementing agencies of the Ministry are the Ghana Tourist Board (GTB) and the Hotel and Catering Training Institute (HOTCATT).

5.0 Performance for 2009

In 2009, the Ministry undertook the following activities:

Events and Celebrations

The Committee was informed that Ghana, through the Ministry, successfully hosted the 30th Session of the International World Tourism Day Celebrations in September.

The Ministry also organized the National Chocolate Day as part of its efforts to heighten public awareness on the positive values of chocolate and hereby exploit creating more jobs for the cocoa sector.

The Ministry in the year under review and in line with its mandate to establish Ghana as a gateway to Africa, facilitated organization of the Emancipation Day Celebrations and the Panafest.

Rehabi l i ta t ion of the Tourism Infrastructure

The Committee was informed that the Ministry has no oversight responsibility over most of the tourism sites in the country. As a result of this, it is not responsible for the maintenance and rehabilitation of these sites even though they are tourist products. However, to ensure that these sites are

maintained, the Ministry organized Inter- Ministerial Committee meetings to lobby infrastructure agencies and other MDAs to help improve infrastructure at these sites.

Promotional Materials

The Minister informed the Committee that the Ministry has produced and distributed brochures, maps, video documentaries on Ghana's natural, historical and cultural tourism products to tourists (directly or indirectly) through its missions abroad. This has become necessary in order to afford foreign tourists the opportunity to learn and know about Ghana's tourism potentials.

The Ministry this year, organized three Public-Private Partnership fora to address challenges confronting the tourism industry.

Tourism Website

The Minister informed the Committee that the official tourism website had been upgraded and it is now comparable to international standards.

Sensitization Programmes on HIV/

AIDS

Mr. Bagbin

Mr. Speaker, I am very sad that my Hon Colleague has misunderstood everything and decided to go to town. We have Standing Orders here but Hon Members do err. It does not mean that if one is a member of the Government or one works in a Ministry, one must at all times be one hundred per cent correct. One can err and action will be taken against the one. But before action is taken, there must be some investigation. So it is not like because it is done by National Security, they are not under any control and they cannot be - No, it is not that way. Please, that is why laws are put in place.

Mr. Second Deputy Speaker

Hon Minister, your final words so that we conclude this matter. Hon Minister, if you can just sum up quickly?

Mrs. Azumah-Mensah

Mr. Speaker, I would just like to take this opportunity to thank your Committee and Hon Members for their advocacy and support. I know they are with me all the way, fighting for me to get more funds to run the Ministry for Ghana to become the number one tourism destination.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Question put and motion agreed to.
Resolved:
That this Honourable House approves the sum of GH¢7,757,089.00 for the services of the Ministry of Tourism for the 2010 fiscal year.

Mr. A. S. K. Bagbin

Mr. Speaker, I will now request that with your permission, the House should reconstitute itself into a Closed Sitting to look into the Budgets for the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of the Interior. So we may have to plead with our friends at the gallery to give us some time to consider this aspect of our budget debate.

ADJOURNMENT

rose

Mr. Baidoe-Ansah

And those who - that people should invest in this country to condemn the act of the National Security.
Mr. Speaker, with these few words, I conclude and support the motion.

Mr. Second Deputy Speaker

Hon Majority Leader, you will still go on. Hon Majority Leader, please, go on.

Mr. Bagbin

That is so. Mr. Speaker, just to say that the issue he has referred to definitely came to our attention and we mandated the Committee to go into it. As he is aware, it was the NDC I and II that earmarked the place for a hotel and at that time the National Security was still at the Blue Gate, so it is not like it is a Government position. That case is being taken up by the Committee. He has presented it as if the current Government, through the National Security is preventing investment into the area. That is the perception that is being created and I want that to be erased.

Mr. Baidoe-Ansah

Mr. Speaker, from what the Hon Majority Leader is saying, in fact, that makes it very dangerous. It is as if the National Security does not operate under anybody. The National Security is not a law upon themselves; they operate under the Office of the President. So if they are involved in any illegal act, they have to be brought to order by the Office of the President. So their behaviour, if it is not sanctioned by the President, then we are in trouble that the National

Debates of 16 Dec 2009

PRAYERS 10:35 a.m.

ANNOUNCEMENTS 10:35 a.m.

Madam Speaker 10:35 a.m.

PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC 10:35 a.m.

OF GHANA 10:35 a.m.

Mr. Asamoah Ofosu 10:35 a.m.

Madam Speaker 10:35 a.m.

Mr. Ofosu 10:35 a.m.

Madam Speaker 10:35 a.m.

Mr. Ofosu 10:35 a.m.

Madam Speaker 10:35 a.m.

Mr. Ofosu 10:35 a.m.

Madam Speaker 10:35 a.m.

Mr. Ofosu 10:35 a.m.

Mr. Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 10:35 a.m.

Madam Speaker 10:35 a.m.

Mr. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 10:35 a.m.

Mr. Sampson Ahi 11:45 a.m.

Mr. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 11:45 a.m.

Madam Speaker 11:45 a.m.

Madam Speaker 11:45 a.m.

Mr. Hackman Owusu-Agyemang 11:45 a.m.

Madam Speaker 11:45 a.m.

Mr. A. S. K. Bagbin 11:45 a.m.

Madam Speaker 11:45 a.m.

Some Hon Members 11:45 a.m.

Mr. Bagbin 11:45 a.m.

Madam Speaker 11:55 a.m.

VOTES AND PROCEEDINGS AND THE OFFICIAL REPORT 11:55 a.m.

Madam Speaker 11:55 a.m.

Prof. (Emeritus) S. K. Amoako 11:55 a.m.

Madam Speaker 11:55 a.m.

Prof. (Emeritus) Amoako 11:55 a.m.

Madam Speaker 11:55 a.m.

Prof. (Emeritus) Amoako 11:55 a.m.

Madam Speaker 11:55 a.m.

Prof. (Emeritus) Amoako 11:55 a.m.

Madam Speaker 11:55 a.m.

Prof. (Emeritus) Amoako 11:55 a.m.

Madam Speaker 11:55 a.m.

Mr. J. B. Aidoo 11:55 a.m.

Madam Speaker 11:55 a.m.

Mr. J. B. Aidoo 11:55 a.m.

Mr. J. B. Aidoo 11:55 a.m.

Madam Speaker 11:55 a.m.

Nana Abu-Bonsra 11:55 a.m.

Madam Speaker 11:55 a.m.

Nana Abu-Bonsra 11:55 a.m.

Mr. Osei Bonsu Amoah 11:55 a.m.

Madam Speaker 11:55 a.m.

Mr. O. B. Amoah 11:55 a.m.

Madam Speaker 11:55 a.m.

Mr. O. B. Amoah 11:55 a.m.

Madam Speaker 11:55 a.m.

Mr. O. B. Amoah 11:55 a.m.

Madam Speaker 11:55 a.m.

Prof. (Emeritus) Amoako 11:55 a.m.

Madam Speaker 11:55 a.m.

Prof. (Emeritus) Amoako 11:55 a.m.

Madam Speaker 11:55 a.m.

Prof. (Emeritus) Amoako 11:55 a.m.

Madam Speaker 11:55 a.m.

Prof. (Emeritus) Amoako 11:55 a.m.

Madam Speaker 11:55 a.m.

Ms. Cecilia A. Dapaah 12:05 p.m.

Mr. Fritz F. Baffour 12:05 p.m.

Madam Speaker 12:05 p.m.

Mr. J. B. Aidoo 12:05 p.m.

Madam Speaker 12:05 p.m.

Prof. (Emeritus) Amoako 12:05 p.m.

Madam Speaker 12:05 p.m.

Prof. (Emeritus) Amoako 12:05 p.m.

Mr. J. J. Appiah 12:05 p.m.

Madam Speaker 12:05 p.m.

Mr. G. K. Essilfie 12:05 p.m.

Madam Speaker 12:05 p.m.

Mr. A. S. K. Bagbin 12:05 p.m.

Madam Speaker 12:05 p.m.

ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS 12:15 p.m.

PRAYERS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Madam Speaker

PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC

OF GHANA

Mr. Asamoah Ofosu

Madam Speaker

Mr. Ofosu

Madam Speaker

Mr. Ofosu

Madam Speaker

Mr. Ofosu

Madam Speaker

Mr. Ofosu

Mr. Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu

Madam Speaker

Mr. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu

Mr. Sampson Ahi

Mr. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu

Madam Speaker

Madam Speaker

Mr. Hackman Owusu-Agyemang

Madam Speaker

Mr. A. S. K. Bagbin

Madam Speaker

Some Hon Members

Mr. Bagbin

Madam Speaker

VOTES AND PROCEEDINGS AND THE OFFICIAL REPORT

Madam Speaker

Prof. (Emeritus) S. K. Amoako

Madam Speaker

Prof. (Emeritus) Amoako

Madam Speaker

Prof. (Emeritus) Amoako

Madam Speaker

Prof. (Emeritus) Amoako

Madam Speaker

Prof. (Emeritus) Amoako

Madam Speaker

Mr. J. B. Aidoo

Madam Speaker

Mr. J. B. Aidoo

Mr. J. B. Aidoo

Madam Speaker

Nana Abu-Bonsra

Madam Speaker

Nana Abu-Bonsra

Mr. Osei Bonsu Amoah

Madam Speaker

Mr. O. B. Amoah

Madam Speaker

Mr. O. B. Amoah

Madam Speaker

Mr. O. B. Amoah

Madam Speaker

Prof. (Emeritus) Amoako

Madam Speaker

Prof. (Emeritus) Amoako

Madam Speaker

Prof. (Emeritus) Amoako

Madam Speaker

Prof. (Emeritus) Amoako

Madam Speaker

Ms. Cecilia A. Dapaah

Mr. Fritz F. Baffour

Madam Speaker

Mr. J. B. Aidoo

Madam Speaker

Prof. (Emeritus) Amoako

Madam Speaker

Prof. (Emeritus) Amoako

Mr. J. J. Appiah

Madam Speaker

Mr. G. K. Essilfie

Madam Speaker

Mr. A. S. K. Bagbin

Madam Speaker

ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS

MINISTRY OF YOUTH AND SPORTS